SA: Cape Ballet Africa’s ‘Swan Lake’ brings global talent to Montecasino

The production is choreographed and directed by London-based Georgian former English National Ballet lead principal ballerina Elena Glurjidze, who has performed the role of Odette/Odile and has a long association with Tchaikovsky's ballet.

International dancers joining the production include Aubin Le Marchand, a principal dancer with Béjart Ballet Lausanne, and Austrian principal Solomon Osazuva, who will share the role of Prince Siegfried with CBA dancers Gabriel Ravenscroft, Joshua Williams and Gabriel Fernandes Da Silva.

The role of Odette/Odile will be performed by CBA dancers Leanè Theunissen, Paige McElligott, Maryana Pobuta and Savannah Ireland. Theunissen, who was born and trained in Pretoria, will make her debut in the dual role at the Teatro.

“I love the duality of light and dark,” Theunissen said. “In dancing both Odette and Odile, the challenge is to bring forth a whole range of emotions within the span of two hours. Mistrust, fear, grief, pain, sensuality, guile and strength. These are passions that reside within all of us. The joy of being a performer is presenting the audience with a feeling that awakens their own reality and emotion.”

Da Silva, a Brazilian dancer who has performed in South Africa for nearly seven years and joined CBA in February 2026, will make his debut as Prince Siegfried at the Teatro, partnering Savannah Ireland.

“Siegfried isn't just a fairytale prince; he's a mirror of my own youth and resilience,” Da Silva said. “At 21, cornered by the pressure of the throne, Prince Siegfried represents the weight of responsibility – it represents an echo of the demands life laid on me from a young age. On stage, I find my refuge in dance, the same freedom I chase when shedding the weight of the everyday grind.”

Le Marchand trained at the Paris Opera Ballet School before beginning his professional career with the Croatian National Theatre in Split and later joining Tulsa Ballet in the United States. He joined Béjart Ballet Lausanne in 2025, following performances in works by choreographers including Derek Deane, Angelin Preljocaj, Thierry Malandain and Kenneth Tindall.

Osazuva, who previously worked with CBA on its Giselle production in November 2025, trained at the Ballet Academy of the Vienna State Opera. He later joined the National Theatre Brno and has performed as a freelance and guest artist with institutions across Europe.

The production features set by Michael Mitchell and costumes by Marcel Meyer, who previously collaborated on CBA's double Naledi Award-nominated production of The Nutcracker.

CBA chief executive and artistic director Debbie Turner said the collaboration between local and international dancers provided an opportunity for artistic exchange.

“Collaborating with exceptional artists from around the world is an incredible experience for everyone in the company. We inspire one another, learn from each other's unique talents, and continually challenge each other to reach new heights,” Turner said.

Global Star Events chief executive Simon Bryce said the season had been extended in response to interest in the Johannesburg production.

“The season extension came early, reflecting the tremendous excitement surrounding Swan Lake in Johannesburg. Audiences can expect a spectacular celebration of the artistry, passion and enduring magic of classical ballet,” Bryce said.

The production will run at Montecasino's Teatro from 7 to 23 August, with performances scheduled at various times throughout the season. Tickets range from R220 to R720, with discounts of up to 40% available on selected performances and ticket categories for a limited period.

The production is recommended for audiences aged five and above. Further details about a planned Cape Town season are expected to be announced separately.